State Officials Recognize Influence of Sportsmen’s Movement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2007

(Columbus) – Ohio legislators were reminded Tuesday night that sportsmen are an active, voting constituency that wants to work with elected officials to protect and advance wildlife conservation in the Buckeye State.

Nearly 140 leaders of Ohio hunting, trapping and fishing groups demonstrated the power of the sportsmen’s movement when they gathered at the Columbus Athletic Club with state legislators during the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Reception on March 13. Each of the 35 lawmakers who attended, including event co-hosts, Sen. Steve Buehrer, R-Delta; Sen. Joy Padgett, R-Coshocton; and Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, fielded questions and listened to opinions of conservation leaders and wildlife professionals from their districts.

“Sportsmen are the backbone of the conservation movement and lawmakers who attended the reception recognize that fact,” said Rick Story, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance senior vice president. “The legislature relies on sportsman constituents to share their concerns about conservation issues. All Ohio sportsmen are encouraged to form and foster relationships with their legislators and share their views on issues that impact hunting and fishing.”

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Sportsmen at the reception spoke with their legislators about a range of issues, including the protection of the state’s Wildlife Fund.

“In years past, legislators have tried to divert sportsmen’s dollars, which are reserved for conservation purposes, to fund non-conservation programs,” said Glenn Wilson, president of Ohio State Trappers Association. “Sportsmen made it clear to state officials that if any such diversion is proposed in the new state budget, they will mobilize a grassroots campaign to make sure conservation funds are safe.”

Sean Logan, the newly-appointed director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, was a special guest and speaker. He asserted his support for sportsmen and welcomed input from the hunting, trapping and angling communities.

Legislative Reception Gold Sponsors included Gander Mountain, Ohio State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ohio State Trappers Association, Pheasants Forever and Whitetails Unlimited. Buckeye Firearms Association, Ducks Unlimited and Central Ohio Chapter of Safari Club International were Silver Sponsors.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organization that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

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Buckeye Firearms Association attendees, pictured L-R: Clint Lake, Linda Walker, Ryan Bertram, Steve Loos, Larry
Moore, Dave Rossman, Jim Wilson